Under these circumstances, of course, my functions are
terminated here. It has seemed to me proper, however, that I
should appear in the Senate to announce that fact to my
associates, and I will say but very little more. The occasion
does not invite me to go into argument; and my physical
condition would not permit me to do so, if it were otherwise;
and yet it seems to become me to say something on the part of
the State I here represent on an occasion so solemn as this.
"It is known to Senators who have served with me here that I
have for many years advocated, as an essential attribute of
State sovereignty, the right of a State to secede from the
Union. Therefore, if I had not believed there was justifiable
cause, if I had thought that Mississippi was acting without
sufficient provocation, or without an existing necessity, I
should still, under my theory of the Government, because of my
allegiance to the State of which I am a citizen, have been bound
by her action. I, however, may be permitted to say that I do
think she has justifiable cause, and I approve of her act. I
conferred with her people before that act was taken, counseled
them then that, if the state of things which they apprehended
should exist when their Convention met, they should take the
action which they have now adopted.
"I hope none who hear me will confound this expression of mine
with the advocacy of the right of a State to remain in the
Union, and to disregard its constitutional obligations by the
nullification of the law.
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